The Top Reasons Why People Succeed In The Gas Safety Certificate And Boiler Service Industry
Landlord Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
As a landlord, it's your responsibility to make sure that all gas appliances as well as chimneys and flues are inspected annually. The law also requires you provide a copy the check to your tenants.
If the engineer considers that any installation or appliance is imminently dangerous the engineer will request permission to cut off gas from the system and recommend the installation of inspection hatches.
What is an Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
A landlord's gas safety certificate is an official document that certifies that all gas appliances and flues within the rental property were inspected by an experienced gas engineer. Landlords are required to arrange a gas check for each rental property that they own at least once a year. The inspection is performed by an Gas Safe registered engineer and makes sure that all pipework appliances, flues, and pipes are in good working order and that they are in compliance with the safety regulations.
Landlords are also required by law to give their tenants copies of the CP12 Gas Safety Certificate (Gas Safety Record) following each annual gas safety inspection and test. The certificate should be provided to tenants within 28 days after the Gas Safety Inspection and to new tenants at the start of their tenure.
CP12 is the abbreviation for the CORGI Proforma 12 that was employed by CORGI before it was replaced in 2009 by the Gas Safe Register. The form outlines the date of the most recent gas inspections and tests, their results, any steps that must be taken, and the name and the title of the engineer who performed the test.
The engineer will offer advice in the event that the Gas Safety Check reveals any problems with the gas appliance. This will outline what needs to be corrected in order to ensure it is safe to use. If a gas appliance is found to be immediately dangerous or abnormally lethal, the gas supply must be shut off until the issue is solved.
If a tenant does not allow access for the gas safety checks to be completed, it is a criminal offence. If needed, a landlord can ask the courts for an order to stop the tenant from refusing to allow gas safety checks. However, it is usually easier to write a letter that describes why the check is vital and what is required. This will encourage tenants who are hesitant to let access to the property. If not, the landlord will need to start the eviction procedure.
How often should I receive a Gas Safety Certificate?
The landlords and letting agencies are required by law to conduct an annual gas safety inspection on all gas appliances and flues that they provide to tenants. This is to ensure that the equipment is safe to use and to ensure that there aren't gas leaks in the building. This is a vitally important responsibility for landlords and they should ensure that they have their gas inspections completed by a qualified gas engineer.
The Gas Safety Certificate, formerly known as the Gas Safety Check Record, is a legal document that confirms that an engineer has completed a gas inspection within the last 12 months. It is issued to the landlord, and should be provided to the tenant to prove the safety of the gas supply. It is valid for a time of 12 months and has to be renewed each year.
A landlord who is unable to provide a Gas Safety Certificate for their tenants could be penalized. It is therefore essential for landlords to ensure that their Gas Safety checks carried out at a timely basis and to keep a copy of the documentation in case a tenant needs it.
Installing inspection hatches in all gas appliances is a good idea, as it allows engineers to gain access to the appliances to conduct annual inspections. certificate cost will categorise the appliance as 'at-risk' and may recommend that tenants refrain from using the boiler until the inspection hatch is installed.
Landlords must also give tenants at least 24 hours' notice before entering the property to conduct Gas Safety Checks. This gives tenants time to prepare for the visit and give permission if needed. If a tenant does not allow the engineer access, the landlord should send a letter to them explaining the reason for the visit and what happens if they don't comply. If the tenant continues to refuse then the landlord should look into evicting them pursuant to section 21 of the Housing Act 1988.
What happens if you don't have a Gas Safety Certificate?
In essence, it's a landlord's legal duty to ensure that their property is equipped with a valid gas safety certification before tenants move into. Failure to adhere to the law can lead to a landlord being prosecuted or being fined a significant amount. The regulations also stipulate that a landlord must provide an electronic copy of the gas safety report to their tenants upon request.
Gas Safe registered engineers must visit the rental home of the landlord to conduct a gas inspection on all gas appliances. During the inspection, a Gas Safe registered engineer will note any problems that could pose a danger to tenants. They will issue the CP12 gas safety certificate which is known as the Landlord Gas Safety Record or a Gas Safety Certificate.
This is an important document that every tenant should keep. It contains information on the gas installations in the rental property and also details on when they were last checked and the expiry dates. It can assist tenants in identifying problems with appliances or installations and make sure they are aware of how to contact an Gas Safe Engineer to have them tested.
Landlords are required to provide the gas safety report to their tenants, new and current, within 28 days after the engineer has visited their property. They must also provide a copy the CP12 to the tenant on the day that their tenancy starts. Landlords that fail to provide the copy of the gas certificate can be prosecuted and face unlimited fines, or six months in prison.
Similar to this landlords must ensure that carbon monoxide detectors work in their properties and arrange for them being tested every month. If an alarm is not functioning, the landlord has to fix it. This is applicable to private landlords, councils and housing associations, as well as licensable Houses of Multiple Occupation.
In June 2017 In June 2017, the High Court ruled that it was illegal for landlords to send Section 21 notices without providing their tenants with a valid Gas Safety Certificate. The ruling was by reference to the law which states that landlords of assured shorthold tenancies must have an approved gas safety certificate for their property prior to when tenants move into.
How do I get a Gas Safety Certificate?
Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that the gas appliances, flues, and pipework in their properties are safe for tenants. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 regulate this. To comply with the regulations landlords are required to conduct annual gas inspections of all gas appliances and flues they provide for use in the property. This is known as a CP12 gas safety certificate. It must be signed by a licensed Gas Safe registered engineer after each inspection.
Landlords should also consider conducting a boiler inspection in conjunction with a CP12 inspection. This will ensure that all gas appliances are working properly and safely. Landlords are usually able to obtain a combined CP12 and boiler service at an affordable price from a qualified gas engineer. They can check the seals on boiler burners. They will also inspect the flue system for cracks and leaks, clean the burner and heat exchanger and carry out general maintenance.
The CP12 document is often known as the 'landlord's gas safety certificate', although it is officially called the Gas Safety Record documentation. It outlines the outcomes of all safety inspections and details of any actions or issues that need to be addressed. Landlords are required to give tenants a copy of the CP12 document within 28 days of the Gas Safety check being completed.
It is essential that the landlords or letting agents allow Gas Safe registered engineers to enter the premises for safety checks and maintenance. It is a good idea to inform tenants of the importance of allowing access and explaining that the gas engineer will help keep them safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. If the tenant is unwilling to permit access, the landlord or agent must state the legal requirements in writing. They should then visit the property and force entry if necessary.
Gas Safe ID cards should be requested by tenants prior to allowing them to enter the property. This will ensure that the engineer has the necessary qualifications to work with the systems in your home and can therefore be trusted to conduct the safety inspection. You should also be aware that a gas engineer can legally remove defective equipment or shut off your gas supply should it be required.